Readout of Under Secretary Rand Beers’ Trip to Sana’a, Yemen

Release Date:

January 8, 2013

For Immediate ReleaseDHS Press OfficeContact: 202-282-8010

SANA’A, Yemen— U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Under Secretary for the National Protection and Programs Directorate and DHS Counterterrorism Coordinator Rand Beers led a DHS delegation to Sana’a, Yemen on January 7-8 to meet with counterparts to discuss strengthening the Department’s collaboration with the Government of Yemen on a variety of trade, civil aviation, and border security issues. This visit builds on the recent meeting between Yemeni President Abdu Rabbu Mansour Hadi and Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano in September 2012.

“The United States has a profound interest in advancing Yemen’s security and prosperity,” said Under Secretary Beers. “By enhancing collaboration with the Government of Yemen, we reaffirm our commitment to more effectively secure our two countries against evolving threats and improve the trade and investment climate in Yemen.”

Under Secretary Beers met with President Hadi to discuss U.S.–Yemen cooperation, including initiatives to address a variety of security, trade, and immigration issues. Under Secretary Beers also met with officials from the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Civil Aviation and Meteorology Authority, and the Yemen Customs Authority, as well as security and law enforcement agencies, to discuss efforts to enhance aviation and border security. During the meetings, officials from both countries reiterated their commitment to continued cooperation to further develop and expand ongoing partnerships.